Abstract:

The Innovatio Educativa Tertio Millenio (IETM) group has been providing education in the metaverse from the 2011-12 academic year to the present, 2023-24.

Undoubtedly, over this period, new metaverse platforms have emerged. Our research focuses on free metaverses, aiming to enable any teacher to use them.

This study compares variations in teaching possibilities within the metaverse, taking into account various parameters, such as the quantity and characteristics of metaverses available at each stage, computer hardware requirements, the preparedness of teachers and students for teaching in these environments, the ability to present instructional materials in the metaverse, and the potential for immersive virtual experiences, among others.

Additionally, we will explore the potential for metaverse utilization for purposes other than their original intent, such as using metaverses designed for entertainment or gaming for meetings, tutorials, teaching, or the creation of spaces that closely resemble reality to serve as examples for the subjects studied, much like a practical learning experience. This involves identifying their advantages and addressing any disadvantages.

This study also examines the potential for creating spaces in the metaverse that can function as environments to partially substitute real-life experiences. It explores the idea of seeking or creating places by other individuals or teams that can be used for immersive learning experiences, making it possible for students to learn as if they had experienced real-world situations.

Furthermore, based on the evolution observed over these 13 years, the study offers predictions regarding the short, medium, and long-term prospects for educational possibilities within the metaverse.

Keywords:

Metaverse, Teaching, Evolution, Immersive Experiences, Virtual Teaching, Learning experiences.